​ICAO Publishes Addendum 4

Although dated 23Feb16, addendum 4
was released on Friday, February 26, 2016.
The addendum incorporates the prohibition of lithium ion batteries
UN3480 as cargo on passenger airplanes into ICAO’s Technical Instructions 2015
– 2016 Edition.

The ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel
recommended in October, 2015, tougher restrictions on ion batteries but not a
ban. ICAO’s Air Navigation Committee
picked up on the recommendations and included the ban as cargo on passenger
airplanes. The ICAO Council met last
week and approved the ban. This
prohibition does not apply to lithium ion batteries packed with equipment or
lithium ion batteries contained in equipment.
UN3480 only.

Most affected is Packing Instruction
965, Sections 1A, 1B, and Section II.
The change clearly indicates the batteries are “Forbidden” as cargo on
passenger air planes.

Section 1A –

Requires cargo aircraft only label

Class 9 label

Section 1B –

Each package must be labeled with the
lithium battery handling label,

Class 9 hazard label, and

the cargo aircraft only label

Section II –

No more than one package per
consignment

No more than one package per Overpack

Each package must be labeled with the
lithium battery handling label and

The cargo aircraft only label

“Lithium ion batteries in compliance
with Section II of PI 965” and “Cargo Aircraft Only” must be included on the
airway bill

In addition to the above restrictions
the council also included an addendum to the, Supplement To The Technical
Instructions. A new Special Provision
A331 has been added to include

The batteries may only be shipped at
no more than 30% State of Charge (SOC)

This same requirement was included in
addendum 3 to the Technical Instructions

IATA (airline trade association) has
also published an addendum and guidance document based on the ICAO
releases. All four documents are shown
here.